The following is a press release issued by the FCC on June 30, 2020 This Public Notice announces that the Digital Empowerment and Inclusion Working Group of the Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment (ACDDE) and the Media Bureau will host a virtual workshop to examine the role of U.S. libraries as community hubs to drive digital adoption and …
$20.4 Billion Available for Rural Broadband Expansion, First Deadline Approaching for Providers to Apply
Lansing, MI. (July 6, 2020) – Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have less than two weeks to complete a short form application to qualify for Phase 1 of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) auction. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued its call for short form applications on July 1; the deadline for those applications is Wednesday, July 15. “Up to …
FCC APPROVES ELEVENTH SET OF COVID-19 TELEHEALTH PROGRAM APPLICATIONS
The following is a press release issued by the Federal Communications Commission on June 17, 2020 WASHINGTON, June 17, 2020—The Federal Communications Commission’s Wireline Competition Bureau today approved an additional 62 funding applications for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Health care providers in both urban and rural areas of the country will use this $23.25 million in funding to provide telehealth …
Policy Brief: Congress Passes Broadband DATA Act
Washington, DC (March 20, 2020) – On March 10, 2020, Congress passed the Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act, which set the stage for a sweeping reform on how broadband data is collected, verified, and mapped by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and builds upon the Digital Opportunity Data Collection (DODC) report and order that the FCC adopted in August …
FCC Acts to Support Telehealth & Remote Learning During Coronavirus
The following is a press release issued by the FCC on March 18, 2020 WASHINGTON (March 18, 2020)—The Federal Communications Commission today announced important changes to the Rural Health Care (RHC) and E-Rate programs that will make it easier for broadband providers to support telehealth and remote learning efforts during the coronavirus pandemic. Specifically, the FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau has …
FCC Chairman Launches the Keep Americans Connected Pledge, Here’s What He’s Asking Providers to Do
The following press release was issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on March 13, 2020 Pai Calls on Broadband and Telephone Service Providers to Promote Connectivity for Americans Impacted by the Disruptions Caused by the Coronavirus Pandemic WASHINGTON, March 13, 2020—Yesterday, in multiple phone calls with broadband and telephone service providers and trade associations, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit …
FCC Chairman Discusses Rural Digital Opportunity Fund with Rural Business Owners, Community Advocates, Internet Service Providers
“This is the biggest step the FCC has ever taken to close the Digital Divide” by Jessica Denson, Communications Director Marietta, OH (January 23, 2020) – The Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Ajit Pai, met yesterday with community advocates, business owners, educational leaders, internet service providers, and other local stakeholders in Ohio to discuss the importance of closing …
FCC Authorizes Nearly $89.2 Million In Funding For Rural Broadband
The following is press release issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on December 16, 2019 Eighth Round of Funding from Connect America Fund Auction Starts This Month and Includes 21 States WASHINGTON, December 16, 2019—The Federal Communications Commission today authorized nearly $89.2 million in funding over the next decade to expand broadband to more than 123,000 unserved rural homes and …
48 Senators Join Together to Urge FCC to Prioritize Sustainable Rural Broadband
Washington, DC (December 10, 2019) – A bipartisan group of 48 U.S. Senators sent a letter yesterday to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) asking the agency to prioritize sustainable rural broadband (high-speed internet) networks. The letter, addressed to Chairman Ajit Pai, addresses the FCC’s consideration of new rules in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) proceeding. The senators voiced concern …
FCC Chairman Announces Plan to Launch $9 Billion 5G Fund for Rural America
The following is a press release issued by the FCC on December 4, 2019 5G Fund Would Replace Mobility Fund Phase II and Focus on Bringing the Most Advanced Wireless Services to Rural Areas WASHINGTON, December 4, 2019—Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai announced today that he intends to establish the 5G Fund, which would make up to $9 billion in …
